Author and TV series creator Stephen J. Cannell’s last novel sends Los Angeles police Detective Shane Scully and his natty partner, Sumner Hitchens, out with a nice mystery that should please fans of the 19-book series. The prolific writer (he also created or co-created more than 40 TV series including “The Rockford Files” and “The A-Team”) gives his ace detective several juicy mysteries to solve.

Scully and Hitch have to find out who killed Lita Mendez, known for her hatred of the police and advocacy for Los Angeles gangs.